Fraudsters target flood victims

FRAUDSTERS are targeting victims of the Queensland floods and the generosity of people looking to provide support to victims.

There have been reports of several scams operating across Queensland and police are urging the community to continue with their generosity, but to take a moment and check who they are donating to.

Police warn they anticipate the delivery of emails and creation of websites that claim they will facilitate the donation of funds to charities that have been established to support the flood relief and victims.

“International fraudsters prey on the goodwill of people during a crisis such as the Queensland floods and are experts in quickly establishing authentic websites and delivering believable emails that contain 99% fact in their content.

"These fraudulent devices are designed to illicit identity, financial and credit card details from unsuspecting members of the public who are simply looking to support flood victims,” Detective Superintendent Brian Hay of the Fraud and Corporate Crime Group said.

Members of the public must also be aware of any phone calls they receive from businesses purporting to be associated with the government’s flood relief efforts.

Reports have been received of scammers who claim to be from a business who, for a fee of $200 will lodge and fast track all government relief applications.

Victims could provide bank account and identity information and pay for the service with their credit cards.

“These organisations do not exist and no payment will be required to process authentic government relief fund applications.

"Any person who has responded to an email like this needs to contact their financial institutions to cancel their bank and credit card account and should considering registering with a credit rating organisation to have their credit status monitored,” Detective Superintendent Hay said.

Any person looking to engage tradesmen or cleaning services to assist in the recovery of their premises need to be wary of unscrupulous people offering their services for a discounted rate that requires cash up-front.

“These fraudsters will put the cash in their pocket never to be seen again or will commence work and provide an incomplete or shoddy service.

"Members of the public need to negotiate only with reputable trades people who are prepared to provide industry certification of their qualifications, full written invoice for their work, and who accept payment upon job completion and satisfaction,” he said.

“This is clearly a very hard time for a lot of people and it is sickening to see people prey further on these victims.

"We are certainly working to target and apprehend these scammers but wish to remind the public that in amongst the thousands of generous individuals there will still be a few that will try to profit from this situation."

Members of the public are urged to support the flood appeals with financial contributions, however, they are encouraged to donate to recognised charitable organisations.